Question
I would like to put coal over some mulch.  I have an area where I am growing holly, forsythia, and french lilac in a row. I have covered the ground with cloth, and then covered that with several inches of mulch. The weeds like the mulch and I think the coal would look good as a ground cover and the black would keep weeds at a minimum. ill it hurt the bushes? Thanks

Answer
Tom,

Charcoal is not harmful to plants, however it alone doesn't provide much nutrients to plants.  So, to have too much of it in the soil would cause a negative effect because you'd then be diluting the nutrients which are in the soil.  Some people till charcoal into their beds for better drainage.  With the weed fabric you have down, I especially don't think this will be a problem.  You just don't want your total mulching layer to be too thick because it will retain too much moisture and encourage fungus and other issues.  Tapper down the thickness at the base of the plants as to not cause rot on the bark.

Let me know how it looks!  I think it's a great idea to try!

-Brandon Swisher
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